Hello!

[JennyBL]

I’m new to the group but have been diagnosed for a while. I’ve got some medical things to ask-hope you can help me?

[tattybogle]

Hello JennyBL

Yes, we can ('probably' lol)

.. ask away

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to thyroid group

What thyroid condition have you been dealing with?

 Members are helpful and can offer the best advice if you post blood test result with ranges (ranges vary between labs, so always needed) 

TSH

FT4

FT3

Any antibody and key vitamin tests (ferritin, folate, vitamins D and B12)

Were a patient forum, no one is medically trained but I’m sure someone can offer advice to your thyroid questions. 

[JennyBL in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi , well I have the usual hypo thyroid symptoms but lately it’s been difficult to keep my weight down despite an active job and regular exercise.

I’ll ask the Gp for those tests as I don’t know the levels. I’m on 100mcg levothyroxine.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to JennyBL]

How long have you been on 100mcg?   

Do you always get dispensed same brand? 

Recommend you obtain & keep all results.  You need to track what’s being tested & the results.  Doctors don’t explain them voluntarily.   It’s simpler for you follow instructions on trust, but a full test is not automatically taken & TSH is mainly what GPs go by.  

The TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a pituitary hormone - it signals thyroid to increase / decrease production of new hormone & the assumption is if this measure is in range so will actual thyroid hormones, but the TSH is not reliable & doesn’t always reflect thyroid levels.

Levo works best if nutrients are optimal & your system can convert FT4 (free thyroxine) to the powerful hormone FT3 (Free triiodothyronine).

Many use private tests as nutrients & FT3 not routinely tested.  

Here’s a list of companies offering different tests some have discounts available (Medichecks advanced thyroid might be good option & includes thyroid antibodies, function & key nutrients)

 thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

You order test online - the kits arrives via post - sample can be taken by finger prick (extra fee for private venous draw). Post back and results available online usually quite quickly.  

Thyroid tests should be taken just before 09.00 & the replacement dose should be delayed until after draw.  Fast overnight (but drink lots of water). Supplements containing biotin needs to be left off 3 days before - test longer if on. high dose.  Biotin can interfere with test.  

Advice on obtaining your results:

You are legally entitled to view your results.  Setting up online access to digital record is really helpful with this and includes notes, letters & referrals.  Practices in England are contractually mandated to provide (other areas vary.) 

You initially get a basic coded access, access to requesting prescriptions possibly making appointments but practice has to arrange access to medical full record.  You need to request *full record including historic record* - They have a calendar month to set up. 

I keep a copy of results & screen shots of results as occasionally people say records get altered or go missing although this is not supposed to be able to happen.  

In meantime - Request printout of results from practice reception. *don’t ask dr*.  Don’t accept verbal, hand written (even typed / emailed) too much room for error & they often don’t include lab range. 

Staff might say they need to check if allowed to hand out, but if the results have been “read & filed on system” they can be release to you.  

Sometime they don’t have time to print there & then, or have staff shortage ect.  So calling in advance & asking to collect a printout in 2 days time means they have no excuses & can not refuse to provide. 

You shouldn’t be questioned why you want to view them & you can refuse to give a reason - but to avoid debate I would just say “for my records”

[JennyBL in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks for your very helpful reply!

I’m writing to the doc today to ask for the tests you mention and will see what she says. I’ll get them done privately if no joy.

I’ve been on 100mcg Levo for a few months but diagnosed 10 years ago so it’s been up and down over time. The brand I’m given is ‘Almus’.